What a name! Melchizedek. Not one we hear often. I’m not even sure how to pronounce it. As you know, my devotional reflections are never meant to be a full-on Bible study. I simply share how God is speaking to my heart. My hope is you hear God speaking to you as well.
Today, however, I felt like I wanted to learn a bit more to understand who Melchizedek was. It’s a name I’ve heard before, but it’s not as common as some of the other Bible heroes (to me at least). So I did a little side reading. I learned that Melchizedek was only mentioned a couple of times in the Old Testament. What the author says here is piecing a couple stories together, and maybe even some “lore”. The line in today’s text that struck me was, “He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.” How does he resemble Jesus?
Maybe the main point isn’t all of the logistics but rather what Melchizedek represents. King of peace. That certainly sounds familiar. We call Jesus the Prince of Peace. He was righteous (Abraham trusted him and was blessed by him). Without beginning or end. Again, I see how these qualities point to Jesus. Melchizedek becomes a foreshadowing of the great high priest to come.
This is heavy stuff. It’s the solid food the author was getting the listeners ready for. He earlier called Jesus our new high priest. He is now trying to put all of that into perspective. Melchizedek didn’t have a lineage, and we know that priests were from the line of Levi. When we trace Jesus, we see he was from the line of Judah, a clan who never served as priests.
So how does this speak to you today?
For me, it’s the beauty of Scripture pointing to itself. Old Testament references that foreshadow Jesus. It’s a beautiful thing.
Let’s pray. Thank you, God, for how you have masterfully created the universe and all that is in it. You are a master at orchestrating the truth revealed in your word. I marvel at your majesty. Thank you for all the miracles you have in motion in the world today as well. Help us to see you and give you praise. When I am lost and confused, please give me clarity. Help me to share your love with others. Open up their minds to receive from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
